Archive for holidays

As you age you tend to see things in a different light. Gift giving over the Holidays was never my thing, nor was giving on birthdays. I was glad to be on the receiving end but seldom gave anyone else gifts. Part of the reason for me not giving was for financial reasons but there was also a level of maturity that I had not yet reached. My father just recently turned 60 and he and I have developed a bond over riding. He rides a Honda Shadow and I ride a Honda 919.

Although our bikes are on different ends of the riding spectrum, we still have that bond and I know riding has brought us closer together. For his 60th birthday I wanted to do something special, I wanted to buy him something that I know he would definitely enjoy, a pair of motorcycle saddlebags.

I already knew where I was purchasing his saddlebags, from Viking Bags, I just didn’t know which style would best fit his Shadow Ace. I have purchased things from Viking Bags and I have never been let down, their selection is limited for the sport bike crowd but their quality classic bike gear is anything but.

Although I am not new to riding, nor new to saddlebags, I knew enough to know that fit is always an issue that concerns anyone buying saddlebags for obvious reasons. I have seen saddlebags installed so poorly that they look unsightly and make the rider uncomfortable as well, I didn’t want this to happen to me. I have even seen saddlebags installed backwards! I have also seen saddlebags that really didn’t fit the look of the bike and just looked out of place. If I was going to do one thing, it was be thorough in my selection process.

The selection process started by looking at the Viking Bags website. I used the drop down menu on the left and selected Honda Saddlebags. After clicking there it brought me to the Honda Motorcycle Saddlebag Page. From there was able to see which models Viking Bags has saddlebags for. This can be a blessing and a curse though, if you don’t know which model you’re looking for you can easily become overwhelmed by the amount of models available. I’m assuming it will probably be easier to stay with the left hand menu and navigate that way. I clicked on the 1100 Shadow section so it can only show me the Shadow models with the 1100 cc engines and further narrow my selection. The next page gave me a listing of all of the saddlebags that Viking Bags has to offer.

If there is one thing I know about my father, it is that I know he’s not a flashy guy. He likes to keep things simple and effective and stays away from the flashy clothes, and accessories. Knowing his tastes, I wanted to look for a pair of saddlebags that would stay in theme with the rest of his clean bike, nothing too flashy. Since he doesn’t have anything studded on this bike up to this point, I wanted to keep that classic look by getting him a pair of saddlebags that were not studded. The last page I looked at was their saddlebags page where I was able to see which all the saddlebags available for my father’s Shadow. I picked the Charger series saddlebags because those have two simple buckles not minimal flash. They were under $200 for the pair with tax and shipping combined so I was happy and so was my father.

The opening of the present was quite a sight. My father had no idea that I was getting him some saddlebags so he was really shocked when he opened his present and saw them there. You should have seen him, he jumped for joy and ran over and gave me a bear hug, one that only a father could. We haven’t had the chance to install them yet but I’m sure that will be yet another bonding experience over the weekend. If there’s one thing that I know we can bond over it’s a passion for motorcycles.

While most people tend to store their motorhomes away when the winter months come around, some may instead wish to venture out on a road trip to enjoy the snowy landscapes. You can’t simply depart though and expect your RV to handle the same as in the summertime. On the contrary, you’ll need to think about a few important aspects so that you stay safe and comfortable even though the temperatures outside may be plummeting. The following advice will help you enjoy your next road trip despite the colder climes.

Pay Attention to Heating

Let’s start with the obvious point that you need to stay as warm as possible while in your winter campervan. Here are a few tips that will help you heat up your RV in a number of different ways:

Purchase two electric-powered space heaters for the interiors

Place an extra heater in the bay storing your fresh water, sewage, etc.

You’ll also need to purchase a number of accessories for your motorhome so it can survive these extreme temperatures. If you’re worried about spending some extra money here, remember that you’ll probably be offered discount prices on the campsite anyway as it is wintertime! Here are some of the modifications you’ll need to make:

Skirting for your RV. By wrapping your vehicle up in this material and placing a small space heater underneath, you’ll ensure the engine and piping is kept warm so it doesn’t freeze.

Motorhome tyre chains. These are a legal requirement in some areas. They’ll help you grip the road during icy conditions and can allow you to get through a storm without having to sit and wait for it to pass.

While you might not even have to use these accessories during your trip, having them there with you will ensure you can safely get through just about any sort of conditions. Those choosing RV rentals should ask about cold weather gear so they can return the vehicle without having to freeze along the way. Be prepared and you’ll end up enjoying your wintertime road trip a lot more as a result.

Bring the Proper Equipment

It will also be essential to bring along some additional items to help in an emergency situation. When packing for your trip, make sure you have the following equipment:

A weather band radio

Extra blankets or sleeping bags

Ample fresh drinking water

Gas powered generator

Additional LPG/propane tanks

A blow dryer for defrosting

An emergency GPS system

The good news is that your campervan should have enough storage space for all of these items plus your usual travelling gear. By planning ahead, you can prevent cold and discomfort by storing the right sort of winter equipment in your RV. The best prior preparations will let you explore your country in a safe, comfortable manner even though temperatures are low and it’s freezing outside.

Adjust Your Habits

Camping in the wintertime is very different to the summer so it’s important to behave accordingly. When travelling in your motorhome, make sure to remember these easy pieces of advice:

Call up all nearby campgrounds to see if they’re open in the winter

Always use winterised diesel and antifreeze during your travels

Regularly open your RV windows to prevent condensation build-up

After a few simple changes in your routine, you can protect your motorhome in the winter months and get the most out of your next road trip.

This is all that you need to know when it comes to taking a road trip during these snowy times. Remember this advice and you can enjoy some amazing winter landscapes and activities while staying safe and warm throughout your travels.

Campervan holidays with your family can be a lot of fun, especially when you head out from a coastal city into the heartland of the country, taking on tiny towns and villages along the way in a bid to try to get to know your country that little bit better.

With all that said, road safety is incredibly important when driving a campervan, especially if it’s your first time. For this reason, whether you require campervan hire Perth wide or you plan on taking your own, make sure you take a note of the following road safety tips during your holiday so to ensure both you, and your campervan, make it back in one piece:

Plan Your Journey, Allocating Extra Time

Though planning your journey should be a core part of your trip preparation whether you’re driving a campervan or not, doing so is especially important when you’re behind the wheel of a much larger vehicle, as your journey is likely to take you longer in a campervan due to changes in speed limits (see below) and routes that may or not be available.

For this reason, always allocate extra time to the amount you believe you’ll need each day to make your journey. Before you leave it’s a good idea to only plan a few days ahead, as you’ll quickly discover through experience how quickly you can move on the roads in your camper, and therefore how much driving you, on average, can do each day.

Take Regular Breaks

When driving long distances such as those you’ll be driving in the outback during your campervan holiday, it’s so incredibly important you take regular breaks that this point alone could have a seven hundred word article written about it.

There are many ways in which to incorporate these break into your holiday so to stay safe while still creating an enjoyable experience for the whole family. One way in particular, is to take a break whenever you come across some particularly good scenery. Maybe even stop for a picnic. And of course, do your best to try to avoid late night or early morning drives if you can help it, as these will take much more out of you than an afternoon drive ever could.

Keep Your Distance

When driving a campervan, regardless of how long you’ve been driving one, you must ensure you keep your distance from the vehicle in front at all times.

Unlike cars, the weight of which don’t dramatically change depending on how much you put in them, you’ll have difficulty knowing the weight of the campervan you’ve hired when both your family and your luggage are all safely in the back, therefore keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front at all times is your only real way of knowing you’ll be able to stop safely if you suddenly have to break for whatever reason. Hiring a campervan for your trip can help eliminate any car troubles you would normally expect to have on this sort of holiday. That said, you must treat the vehicle with respect at all times to ensure it continues to keep both you and your family safe.

If you hire a campervan specifically for your trip, ask the people you hire from about particular speed limits with regard to the different outback roads you’ll be travelling on, as nobody will know these rules and regulations better than them.

In conclusion, campervan holidays with your family can be a lot of fun, but road safety is incredibly important when driving a campervan, especially if it’s your first time. To ensure a safe trip, be sure to plan your journey ahead of time, take regular breaks, keep your distance, and always adhere to the speed limit.

When you think about road trips, most people think of Route 66 in America, or the roads that wind through the Alps. But you don’t necessarily need to leave the UK to find a great driving destination.

Below we have made a list of locations in the UK that tick all the boxes; great views, clear roads, that also offer places to stop and things to do.

Snake Pass

The Snake Pass is the A57 road that it crosses between Manchester and Sheffield. The pass has some of some of the most impressive and immersive scenery in the whole of England. There are lots of places to stop and explore, including trails and wooded areas. When you go in winter it looks similar to Switzerland. If you head towards the Snake Pass Inn you will have access to the Ladybower reservoir, as well as some great local food.

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is located in the West Country, and is a mere 10 miles from of Bristol, and 8 miles from Weston-Super-Mare. There is some amazing scenery to take in including cliffs and rock formations. There are a variety of points you can stop to enjoy the views, as well as the town of Cheddar, the home of the original Cheddar cheese.

Black Mountain Pass

This is considered to be one the best road in Wales, connecting Llandovery with Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. The pass is great for driving; there are lots of enjoyable turns and corners. There are views that stretch for miles including the Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons. Depending on the day you go, some of the tops get swallowed up by low clouds.

Scottish Highlands

Scotland is a fantastic country to drive in, the scenery is unforgettable and a car allows you to stop and take in the multitude of views. The Highlands are both scenic and historic; there are so many sights and locations to visit including mountains, glens and coastlines. Be sure to pack your bikes and walking boots, as this country is one you will want to explore.

Kirkstone Pass

Kirkstone Pass is the highest in the Lake District, connecting Ambleside and Patterdale. With an altitude of 1,489, the pass offers picturesque view of the valleys and mountains. There are plenty of places to stop, hike, and explore. If you get puckish, you can go to the Kirkstone Pass Inn, the third highest public house in England.

We hope that this list has inspired you to take your next road trip in the UK. A road trip is the best way to travel. You can go at your own pace, stop to take in the sights, and know you have the freedom to go wherever you want to.

We donate our used clothing and other items to charity, so why not other items that we no longer have a use for? You can make a difference in a big way by donating big ticket items like boats and cars to charitable organizations. The increase in charities accepting vehicle donations has led to a mutually beneficial and booming business, wherein the donor saves by claiming the donation on income taz returns and the charity is able to sell the vehicle and use the funds to further its cause. While this might seem like a straightforward way to do good in the world, there are some associated risks with donating your car.

Pros

Many charities have started to accept vehicles as a form of donation, so you can most likely find a charity that supports your favorite cause to donate to.

You can claim a huge deduction on your income tax returns when you donate your car to a charity approved by the IRS.

You get to save yourself the hassle of trying to find a buyer for your used car.

Donating a car makes it much easier to make a big difference for your charity with less financial impact to you than a cash donation.

Cons

Intermediaries that accept your car donation and then donate the proceeds to the charity of your choice often take a substantial cut away from your chosen cause. If the charities you support don’t accept car donations directly, you may be better off finding one that does.

To get a tax deduction, you’ll need to follow up with the charity to get paperwork that proves the vehicle’s value. Your estimate or the fair market value probably won’t cut it if your car is worth over $500.

The same paperwork to get rid of the car is still necessary- if you don’t formally re-title the vehicle, you could risk parking tickets and more down the line.

Tips

Avoid 3rd parties and try to donate your car directly to the charity of your choice.

Choose a charity that means a lot to you and has a big impact in its line of work. If the charities you usually support don’t accept car donations, take time to investigate alternatives instead of just picking the first charity you find. The Better Business Bureau can help you to evaluate charities whose activities you aren’t very familiar with.

Make 100% sure that your chosen charity is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is qualified by the IRS for donation deduction purposes.

If you have to use a middle man, do your research to find out how much of the proceeds from the car’s sale will actually go to the charity. Do they take a percentage, or a flat fee? Using an intermediary not only limits the effectiveness of your gift, but can also have tax implications.

Keep a thorough paper trail for tax purposes in order to claim the donation on your tax returns.

Deliver the car to the charity yourself so they don’t have to take money out of your donation to pay someone to come pick it up.

After spending good money on tires, most drivers fail to give them adequate maintenance. Tires play an important role in driving safety, so making sure they’re in road-worthy condition is essential. Below are a few tire tips and tricks to follow. Properly purchased and maintained tires will last longer than neglected ones, saving you money, and most importantly, keeping you safe.

1. Buy Quality Tires from a Reputable Brand

First and foremost, when you purchase new tires, make sure they’re from a reputable company and of premium quality. You and your car depend on them. Buying internationally known brands like Goodyear and Nokian tires ensures safety and affordability. Remember, your purchase should reflect your driving style, driving environment, and vehicle. After buying a new set of tires, try driving the vehicle initially for at least 200 miles at medium speed on dry roads.

2. Maintain the Correct Tire Pressure

Find out the right air pressure for your tires and make sure you maintain it. Check the pressure before and after long drives, during cold driving conditions, and when carrying heavy loads. Otherwise, check every month regularly on a fixed date.

Under-inflated tires can overheat, causing excessive and irregular wear from over exertion. This might even lead to a blowout. Besides, tires that have been riding around with the improper air pressure need to be replaced more often. Over-inflated ones lead to loss of proper road grip and less traction on braking, the consequences of which are obvious. Maintaining optimum tire pressure is even good for the environment as the correct pressure helps in making the vehicle more fuel efficient.

3. Select the Right Tire Tread

More tread just means more grip. Although legal limits are 1.6mm, driving with anything under 3.0mm can be risky. Do not just buy tires based on how the tire looks. Use a standard tread gauge and ensure tread depth is sufficient on all four tires. Check the inside, outside and center portions. How long tires will last with good tread in the end depends on the brand. For example, the usual length of service for quality Nokian tires can be as long as 60,000 miles.

4. Pay Attention to Balance and Alignment

Improper wheel alignment is the main reason for premature tire wear. Poor alignment and balance issues also contribute to over-consumption of fuel and loss of road grip. Check the alignment immediately if you sense the vehicle pulling towards either side while driving or if the steering wheel shakes when driving at high speeds.

5. Stay on Top of Tire Rotation

If you’re only buying two tires, always fit the new tires in the back. Having the better tires in the back means more driving control and directional stability. Also, be sure to have your tires rotated every so often – many people like to have this done at the same time as an oil change – in order to ensure even wear. In addition, replace the valves every time you change your tires. Properly tightened and functioning values with well fitted dust caps make sure the tires remain safe. Check for tears on the side, cracks, bulges, and damage to the wheel rim. Sub-standard products damage easily, but high-quality tires will last longer.

These five tire tips are extremely important to follow, primarily because they concern the safety of the car and its passengers. On top of being a smart car owner who properly maintains his or her vehicle, remember to avoid rash driving, excessive speeds, and frequent braking. Take good care of your car and it will take good care of you!

The Garden state is a wonderful place to explore, raise a family, or settle down. It offers the upscale pace of cities, beaches and shore living, woodlands and farms, and family-friendly suburbs. There is an environment for everyone, and a different feel to each part. While its diversity in living arrangements is beneficial, one thing to remember is that the laws of the state are all the same, no matter which environment you choose to live in. For your own safety, New Jersey holds high standards and regulations on most of their state laws. Motor vehicle regulations are no exception to these rules. Expect to cruise around in your car with style, while upholding a strict degree of safety. While most states can be fairly lenient in their safety inspection rules, NJ makes sure their residents are in tip-top shape while cruising on their highways.

NJ Inspection If you plan on driving around with your Toyota in NJ, be prepared to meet all of the necessary requirements to do so. While it may seem like a lot compared to other states, it’s all for safety’s sake! The rules of a NJ inspection have gone through some changes in recent years. Due to budget cuts, decisions needed to be made on what was most important for the vehicles of the Garden state. As of August 2010, residents will not have to worry about working lights, turn signals, or other mechanical safety aspects during their cars’ inspection. Although a damaged brake light or turn signal can still land you a ticket while driving, it won’t flunk you during a mandated inspection test. It’s up to you as the responsible driver to check and fix your lights and signals.

Emmissions Test The biggest test for your vehicle to undergo in a NJ inspection is the emissions test. While some states negate this portion all together, New Jersey adheres to a strict guideline when it comes to the quality of our environment. While efforts are being made every day to meet the air requirements set by the National Clean Air Act Standards, New Jersey still has not reached its goal. This is why the emissions portion of the inspection process is so crucial, not only for the safety of the vehicle but also for the safety and cleanliness of the environment. Vehicles that exceed national health standards will fail to pass the inspection, and must be assessed by a mechanic to have the emissions problem fixed. Gas caps will also be inspected to assure that it limits the escape of fumes into the environment.

Inspection Sticker If you pass the regulations of a New Jersey state inspection, you get shiny new sticker on your windshield saying to come back in another two years. Fortunately for people who reside in New Jersey who purchase a used, non-commercial vehicle inspection does not have to be done until the vehicles model is five years old. The inspection of motorcycles has also been cut and it’s up to the driver to keep their bike safe and secure while braving the roads.

Just like any state, safety and security is a top priority for the vehicles of New Jersey. The laws may vary, but they still exist. When making the move to the popular east coast state, be sure to review the laws and regulations necessary to reside there. It’ll make the transition much less stressful and much safer! Enjoy your ride into Jersey!

Your new car is your pride and joy. When you left the Ford dealership lot with your brand new car you were then hit with a terrifying thought—this is as good as your car will ever be, it is all downhill from here. There is no need to be so pessimistic about your new vehicle the second you drive it off the lot because with proper care and maintenance, you can keep it running like a brand new car for years to come. And there is no reason you and your car should not have a long, happy relationship together if you are willing to put the proper effort into it. Here are the ways to keep your car running like new for years to come.

Follow the Service Schedule

Did you read your owner’s manual? Well if you didn’t, do it now, because inside there is a service schedule that will tell you exactly what service your car will need and how often you should get it, according to Edmunds. The manufacturers build your car, they know the ins and outs of this vehicle better than anyone and therefore know what kind of maintenance is needed to keep it running at its best, so why would you choose to ignore the service schedule they laid out for you? They couldn’t have made it any easier for you if they scheduled the oil changes and tune-ups for you themselves! Do you and your car a favor and do not skimp on the maintenance, you will be thankful that you didn’t in the long run.

Don’t Make a Lot of Short Trips

Short trips of less than 10 minutes are actually really bad for your car, explains Cars.com. Whenever you can, try to pair up your short trips and errands to avoid short trips because they really are unkind to your car. Here’s what happens: when your car is on, one of the processes of engine combustion is it creates water. That water will then turn to vapor and be released out of the tailpipe or ventilation system, but if you are on a short trip, the water is never given the chance to heat to the point of turning to vapor. That means the water then just sits in the engine and exhaust system, which can lead to rust. Another problem with water just sitting in your engine is that it can dilute your oil, causing a need for more frequent oil changes.

Let Your Car Wake Up

When you first start your car, it needs a moment to wake up and get its gears greased, literally. When a car has been sitting for five or more hours, the oil has left all of the greased parts and drained back into the oil pan. So, when you first start your engine, you need to give it at least 30 seconds to allow the oil pump to lubricate your engine again. If your car has been sitting, unused for more than 24 hours, give it a little more time before putting it in gear and driving off to ensure proper lubrication.

Proper care of your car will help to ensure a long life, and when your car does have problems a quick visit to your Ford dealership parts and service department should have you fixed up and on your way in no time, especially if you have been doing your due diligence with preventative care.

Consumers frequently hunt for numerous characteristics when looking for a car. Some favor eight cylinders and horsepower while others merely want additional trendy accessories for a fantastic looking vehicle that manages smoothly. Furthermore, each driver likes to feel comfortable. Volkswagen provides quality service in each of these aspects. The company has built its standing by being professional and skillful, producing lustrous, magnificent, and long-lasting automobiles. Even today, Volkswagen auto parts provide true strength and superb performance, having stood the test of time in today’s world of car manufacturing.

Even though Volkswagen has advanced, their principles have remained grounded, from the innovative Beetle to the latest Jetta model. There are a number of Volkswagen accessories and parts that suit every VW models’ need to become ever more exemplar and conspicuous than before.

Finding Your Volkswagen Parts

Volkswagen body parts can be hard to find when you need them quickly. When you need VW auto body parts for your automobile, you should make sure that you know where to find them beforehand. Thankfully, there are online auto parts websites that offer numerous VW auto parts. However, if you have one of the older model Volkswagens, auto part dealers may need time to order the part specifically for VW model.

A Brief History of Volkswagen

Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturing company famous for its classiness and performance. Volkswagen vehicles are popular and respected for their up-to-date features, good quality, and endurance. Designed by well-known engineer Ferdinand Porsche, the initial Volkswagen was intended to be a compact, inexpensive, convenience for the everyday German citizen.

The legendary Volkswagen Beetle went into full production during the end of the 1940s, eventually landing on the American coast in 1949. By 1955, more than a million Volkswagens had been manufactured at the Wolfsburg factory, establishing the Beetle as a darling of overseas buyers. During the 60s, the Volkswagen skyrocketed.

The 90s were coming to a close, and the reemergence of the Jetta together with acquirements of choice luxury car brands like Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti, gave the automaker more leeway in a huge number of divisions. The 5th Generation Golf was launched in 2002. During that same year, the polished Touareg was introduced as a stylish, comfortable SUV. Volkswagen’s numbers steadily climbed in the United States as well, and the sophisticated Phaeton and the hardtop convertible Eos were hits. VW has reinforced itself as a winner in the automotive industry, which is a good thing. With the onslaught of the Internet, Volkswagen auto parts are more readily available. Many parts may have faded into obscurity without the availability of online merchants.

Conclusion

VW is a brand name that delivers classy vehicles offering smooth functioning and reliability. If you decide to reinstate Volkswagen parts, you will find a broad range of genuine car parts available at reasonable prices. Often times, you can find your required car parts via an online catalog at one of the many Volkswagen dealers by giving the make and model of your car. Keep in mind that older Volkswagen models may require a waiting period since the auto part will more than likely require special ordering. Some Volkswagen dealers will actually find the part for you if they do not have it in stock.

You used to be able to tell a lot about a person by the car they drove. Nowadays, unless you’re zooming around in a Ferrari or chuffing along in a vintage Bubble Car, cars tend to give out little information about what sort of person we are. But your car air freshener? Well, that can say a lot about who you are. Here’s a humorous, tongue-in-cheek guide to what your car air freshener says about YOU!

Hanging Jelly Bean/Dolphin/Little Shoe

These intensely sweet smelling car air fresheners are the reserve of the very old or the very young. This car is most likely packed to the rafters with unfeasibly glamorous blonde twenty-somethings, on a trip to buy half of the high street en route to a week ‘looking reem, smelling reem, and being reem’ in Majorca. Either that or it’s an old lady who happens to be the grandmother of an unfeasibly glamorous blonde twenty-something who couldn’t think what to buy her for Christmas.

Feu Orange Traffic Lights

Do not be fooled by the classic Feu Orange Traffic Light, dangling insouciantly from the rear-view mirror by a tiny gold chain. You have not fallen through a time warp back into your dad’s Cortina, circa 1982, Simon Bates is not going to start recounting a tragic tale of lost love on Radio 1 at any moment. Those days are, thankfully, over. What you have encountered here, no doubt in a 1982 Cortina, is the car air freshener of a Hipster. Hipsters love anything vintage. So even while they’re dry retching from the overpowering scent of the Feu Orange, they’ll be patting themselves on the back for getting the details spot on.

Naturally Scented Cedar Acorn

These naturally scented wooden car air fresheners are usually found in small cars with a small, environmentally friendly size engine. This driver is usually female, although they can also be males who share a fondness for yoga, quinoa and aromatherapy massages. This car is always spotless. There is a selection of herbal teas kept in the glove box with the emergency tea tree oil and arnica tablets. You can often hear this car approaching before you see it; the eerie, cawing grunts of whalesong booming out as the driver pulls up to Holland & Barrett.

No Car Air Freshener

Do not be mistaken, people who have no air freshener in their car are not in this position because their cars do not smell. Far from it, these drivers are usually busy working parents, who gave up the dream of a sweet smelling car after baby George got car sick from the smell of the scented cedar acorn during a fraught cross-country drive to the in-laws. Air fresheners have no chance in these cars, fighting a losing battle against the old banana skins trapped down the back of the seats, a year’s worth of muddy footprints on the back of the front head rests and half chewed crisp clinging cement-like to both of the children’s car seats.

So which one are you? And what does your car air freshener say about YOU?